eNewsHound

It’s a food that gained most of its contemporary popularity from the Great Depression, and then saw another boost in the war years. Popcorn has been around for thousands of years, and logically enough developed with the same civilizations that developed corn as a main staple. It’s hard exterior locks the moisture in, so that when heat is applied, the moisture expands until it explodes and its starchy interior turns inside out. In the U.S., the hard economic times in the late 20s spurred a great love of the snack, where something wonderful could be made cheaply. Then again, during World War II, when sugar supplies were limited, this food was an easy and economical snack.

It’s curious that something so simple could make so many people swoon. Today, in the most financially successful companies, if someone decides to microwave a bag of the stuff on a break, the whole office will start salivating. And in big cities, like Dallas, it’s enormous popularity is demonstrated by the number of companies that market and produce the product. Where 4 star hotels in Dallas attract large numbers of tourists come to enjoy all the city’s finest things, popcorn is still a treat that can cause everyone to swoon.

There is no dearth of popcorn here, and nor is there a dearth of opinions as to who has the best. Both Popcorn Papa and Pop’s Corn Shoppe can do it up simply, and also offer kinds that move into the gourmet category. It’s very hard to resist, and aside from the cautions about eating it, or anything too quickly, there’s little reason to resist it. Even some of the movie theaters in town advertise themselves as having the best popcorn anywhere. While Harkins in Southlake seems to be the popular favorite, it’s best to trust one’s own judgement and do some personal investigation.